Eriq “Jet” Swiftwater, Western Dakota War Eagles Top Gun

"GDFL CERTIFIED PRO PROSPECT"  

Former University of  Black Hills State University Eriq Swiftwater will power the Western Dakota WarEagles in 2020

Eriq “jet” Swiftwater has been added to the  GDFL Certified Next Level Pro-Prospect List. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing in at 218 pounds, Swiftwater has muscled up and plays somewhat of a hybrid tight end/receiver role. He said he can “get his hands in the dirt and block linebackers,” or go wide and catch passes.

 Interested pro teams from Arena to the NFL are encouraged to contact the Gridiron Developmental Football League for film, stats or tryout information. Our goal is to give every player that meets the strict GDFL guidelines as a pro prospect, every opportunity to elevate their game to the next level.

Former Black Hills State University WR Eriq Swiftwater will be returning back to the (GDFL) Western Dakota War Eagles for the 2020 season.

 Eriq Swiftwater, stated, "growing up I got the nickname (Jet) because of my speed and quick feet. I grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where I attended Oelrichs High school."

Swifterwater credits his former high school Head Coach Benjamin Kramer,Athletic Director Mike Remington and Strength & Conditioning Coach Aaron Siekmann.

As positive mentors and role models who have inspired him to reach for the stars.

 In addition Swiftwater said, I am very thankful to have such a supportive group of family members who push me and remind me I can accomplish anything, I set my mind to". 

Last summer Swiftwater hosted a football camp in Pine Ridge. The camp was about football, but it was also about life choices.“It is one of the more heartwarming things and humbling things that I have had, to have kids look up to me and want to listen to me,” he said.

“It took me a while to understand that the spotlight was on me, but once I matured into that, I ran with it.”Swiftwater tells the youth that home is always going to be there, if you stay or if you leave. 

The opportunity to go out and experience life away from the reservation and experience the world itself, even if it is just Spearfish, is a new experience.

He said it doesn’t matter if the whole world doesn’t believe in you; it just matters if you believe in yourself.

“The want to change your life and the ones around you have to be bigger than the doubt that fills your head of, ‘I can’t do this.’ If I am able to open that door for kids, I’ll be more than happy to hold it," he said.

On campus, Swiftwater was named to the White House Champion of Change program in 2015.

“One thing that I want to do is help get more kids to go to college from my reservation, give them the tools to succeed,” he said. Although he is pursuing his own dreams and his own goals, he said it is bigger than him in a lot of aspects. Coming to college helped put that in perspective.

“I want to make a difference beyond me, and I want to do something that means more to the community than just for myself,” he said.

"The GDFL is excited to have players in our league who are looking not only to aspire to be great on the field and who are looking for professional opportunities.But we are just as excited to see them  making a positive Impact in their communities. The GDFL Next Level Pro program is designed for players like Mr.Swiftwater and we salute him as he continues on his journey," said GDFL CEO Charles Thompson.    (GDFL ROSTER REGISTRATION) 

Eriq Swiftwater Height: 6’1. Weight: 228Positions: WR/TE
College: Black Hills State University
From: Oglala, S.D.
High school: Oelrichs 

COLLEGE  DATA: 

2017: Did not play due to injury...
2016: Played in 11 games... Had 42 receptions for 494 yards... Had two unassisted tackles... Had four touchdowns... Had season-best with 5 receptions for 97 yards against nationally ranked Dickinson State...
2015: Played in 8 games… Had 21 receptions for 356 yards… Had two touchdowns…

2014: Redshirt year… 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Eriq is a three-sport athlete from Oglala, S.D. where he earned varsity letters in football, basketball, and track … Eriq played football at Hot Springs High with whom Oglala co-oped with and was named Class 11A First Team All-State and is a three-time First Team All-Black Hills Conference performer … named Defensive MVP… in his career Eriq caught 18 passes for 425 yards and six scores … defensively he had six interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), 90 tackles, and eight sacks … intended major is Physical Education with a minor in Coaching … son of Jonna Swiftwater. 

AWARDS

• Eriq “jet” swiftwater
• Graduated Oelrichs HS 2014
• 5 year Varsity Letterman
• 3 times 1st team All Black Hills Conference
• 1st team All State Tight End 2014
• Argus leader top 45 player select
• Offensive Redshirt of the year
• All RMAC Honors

ABOUT THE GDFL

The Gridiron Developmental Football League is a Professional Developmental Football League based in Memphis, Tennessee. This League was established to provide the community with high quality sports entertainment and to provide athletes the opportunity to participate in professional sports.

 We are looking at partnering with national and local area businesses in our pursuit of excellence and commitment to our community. Our commitment, dedication, and vision are set on building a firm foundation for professionalism and quality. The Gridiron Developmental Football League continues to strive to provide a quality minor professional level of football throughout the United States and beyond giving area athletes and fans the opportunity be a part of history. 

Our organization would like to thank you for your support. We are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to “Making AN IMPACT” in our Community.

Fans can visit our website at www.gdfl.org for upcoming announcements, ticketing info, and player tryouts.

The GDFL Communications Office contributed to this article.